Restless legs

Posted , 6 users are following.

I have had so many problems with my leg ( restless legs ) at night that I can't stay in bed.  I have tried everything and no help.  This is so miserable .. it doesns't exactly cause pain.. just irratation and loss of sleep.  Sometimes I feel that I am in pain.. don't know what to do. Please help if you have anything that works for you.

Thanks

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I take SIFROL SLOW RELEASE 0.75 (1)

    AND LATER AT NIGHT I TAKE 1 QUICK RELEASE. 0.25

    Your gp will advise you (this tablet is used for Parkinson's but it's excellent for RSL

  • Posted

    Thankfully with the meds I take I sleep well for about 5 hours then either restlessness or pain wakes me up. What have you tried?
  • Posted

    I am fairly new to the RLS community but the aches and irritation are something that I get as well. I have found that codeine works quite well for me when taken at bedtime. I take my Ropinirol about 2hrs before going to bed. If I feel the irritation is to bad I take a warm shower followed by an icey spray on my legs. Your GP should have something to help

    goog luck

  • Posted

    Most doctors have little understanding of RLS but they are your start point. Read the forums and maybe the book RLS by Buchfuhrer Hening etc. Your doc may refer you to a specialist who has a better understanding but mine told me I would need to become the expert!

    Firstly, you need to look at any medication you take which could be the problem. A list is on RLShelp.org.

    Look at your diet, make a diary and look for triggers that make one night worse than an other night e.g. Spicy food, alcohol, sweet sugary, stress (potatoes are one of mine!).

    Your doc should check your blood and look for ferritin level (needs to be higher than average). Hopefully you may be lucky, a supplement of iron or magnesium may sort you out. Failing that, dopamine agonists should ease the symptoms but unfortunately most find they become less effective over time. You will read about increased doses that lead to augmentation. There are other drugs such as Gabapentin but all have some bad side effects, you may be lucky... I have found Tramadol works best for me, an opiate that is less addictive for RLS sufferers supposedly. You will find something that gives you relief! It's a long journey but there is no alternative and you are not alone!

    Good luck.

  • Posted

    I know the feeling. Are you on medication? - I use rotigotine patches which are quite good. It also helps being active during the day - something which exercises the muscles affected - a leisurely  (30 mins) cycle ride seems to be good. Co-codemol tablets also help. Also, as I've said before if you're not used to cannabis that can really help and the symptoms can literally disappear in seconds. What makes it worse is being inactive, eg sitting in front of a TV in the evenings and high-energy foods late at night. Hope this helps.

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